The European Parliament adopted a joint motion for a resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration. Through it, the EP calls for increased EU support for Moldova in countering disinformation, hybrid threats and cyberattacks, IPN reports.

The resolution was carried by the votes of 508 MEPs, out of the 665 attending, with 53 votes against and 104 were abstentions.

The European Parliament reaffirms its full support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and for increasing prosperity and security in Moldova. “We highlight the extraordinary progress made by the Republic of Moldova in the field of reforms, progress that led to the start of negotiations on accession to the European Union. We condemn, at the same time, the Russian Federation’s attempts to influence the presidential elections and the referendum in the Republic of Moldova to be held on October 20,” reads the resolution.

The MEPs call for greater European assistance for Moldova in combating these interferences, including by increasing resources for the European Union Civil Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova and increasing allocations for the Republic of Moldova through the European Peace Facility.

“Specifically, we demand the adoption of a European Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova and more European funds allocated to this country from the future multiannual budget of the EU. At the same time, we call for the permanent liberalization of trade between the EU and the Republic of Moldova and the gradual integration of the Republic of Moldova into the single market,” runs the declaration adopted on Wednesday.